tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71993062024-03-07T02:07:11.553-05:00Christian NovelsLike Christian fiction? Then this is the blog for you! Abbi Hart, sister of blog founder Katie Hart, discusses all aspects of Christian novels.Katie Hart - Pinterest Managerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14892763965326103296noreply@blogger.comBlogger2614125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-65687915532408018232023-06-29T19:42:00.003-04:002023-06-29T19:42:42.457-04:00Wedding at Sea by Melissa Tagg<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxiH3qVX0deydKY40gzfxEqUNgTYHmTnpBQQJUMpd4tf8nQMbkKlyTfRZhOMvAkW-mmArXwiQJ4Gcc9q-qEKpp0eRh_z231ntGRcFQ5haxJM_Ywjz9c-ADbi-3QCG999mrW0vPiFlMGRSHQWtXocFGtvcudk5BphOM0ubcSjQJCIWh5_gU9VB/s925/IMG_9681.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="925" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxiH3qVX0deydKY40gzfxEqUNgTYHmTnpBQQJUMpd4tf8nQMbkKlyTfRZhOMvAkW-mmArXwiQJ4Gcc9q-qEKpp0eRh_z231ntGRcFQ5haxJM_Ywjz9c-ADbi-3QCG999mrW0vPiFlMGRSHQWtXocFGtvcudk5BphOM0ubcSjQJCIWh5_gU9VB/w260-h400/IMG_9681.png" width="260" /></a></div>About the Book</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Two enemies. One wedding. And a seaside mystery decades in the making.</div><div>Lilian doesn’t remember anything about her life before the day Maggie Muir found her on her front porch—a toddler, abandoned and alone. And maybe that’s okay. She has a beautiful life at Muir Farm, including an adopted family she adores and a successful career as a lawyer. But she also has a secret . . . one that raises just as many questions about her future as it does her unknown past.</div><div>And, of course, it would be private investigator Wilder Monroe, her brother’s best friend and the bane of her existence, who sniffs out her secret before anyone else.</div><div>Wilder has spent the past three years trying to close the one case his father couldn’t—the mystery of Maggie Muir’s long-lost granddaughter. But the decades-long search has become more tangled than ever. It’s become more personal, too. Not only are the Muirs the closest thing to family he has left, but if he can solve this mystery, maybe he'll keep himself from drowning in the one he can’t . . . the truth about his father’s death.</div><div>In the midst of secrets and swirling questions, Maggie asks a favor of both Lilian and Wilder: put aside their bickering and work together to plan her summer wedding. It’s a big ask, made all the more difficult when danger comes calling at Muir Farm. But if the two enemies can stand each other long enough to pull off the event of the year, they just might solve a mystery in the process.</div><div>And the biggest discovery of all? That sometimes the one your heart longs for is the last person you ever would've expected.</div><div>Wedding at Sea is the breathtaking finale in bestselling, award-winning author Melissa Tagg's Muir Harbor series.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Thoughts</b></div><div><div>Oh where to even begin? I don’t know that I have words for how much I loved this book. I have been really distracted while reading lately but I read the last 40% in one sitting-75 minutes passing without me even realizing it, I just couldn’t put it down. I honestly don’t remember the last time I stayed up past my bedtime for a book but I was to engrossed to stop!</div><div>I have been waiting for Lilian and Wilder’s story since their very first interaction and I can confidently say that it exceeded my expectations! Their banter is so on point and perfectly timed and they way that goad each other is just immensely entertaining. But I also loved watching as their relationship morphed and they realized the feelings that were underneath the surface. It played out so naturally the way things just slowly shifted until they became the most important person in each other’s life. The romantic tension may have almost killed me at times but I absolutely loved the way it played out even if we had to wait for certain moments.</div><div>And even though the romance was engaging enough on its own the author upped the ante by hooking us with mystery’s to solve that I desperately needed the answers to! I couldn’t stop reading as more pieces of the puzzles fell into place and Tagg got in some good surprise moments at the end! </div><div>It was also fun to catch up with the other Muir family members and their significant others! </div><div>I’m a little sad to see this series end but the ending was so spectacular that it makes it a little easier, and I know I can come back to Muir Harbor for a visit whenever I need to!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Meet the Author<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1e6My9h89Dchc99bjxcx0JRPvAVgVifPFbgbkUEaYAJkab064fFRIhOWqmEnGoQC2aIGsc7ZgXWS17e8NrPJ0jF06m2Wch1AQ1CFYFLCNSDqqPEcFvUfk1-Cofje8xJQp7EB_B_4gB3M0Kd3YgQejvqZ6Tkd9lrmabyP40ZLqhi5qA0Lw1go/s782/IMG_9684.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="782" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1e6My9h89Dchc99bjxcx0JRPvAVgVifPFbgbkUEaYAJkab064fFRIhOWqmEnGoQC2aIGsc7ZgXWS17e8NrPJ0jF06m2Wch1AQ1CFYFLCNSDqqPEcFvUfk1-Cofje8xJQp7EB_B_4gB3M0Kd3YgQejvqZ6Tkd9lrmabyP40ZLqhi5qA0Lw1go/w200-h196/IMG_9684.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div></b></div><div><div>Melissa Tagg is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and Carol Award-winning author of swoony and hope-filled small-town contemporary romances. She’s also a former reporter, current nonprofit marketing strategist, and total Iowa girl.</div><div>Melissa has taught at multiple national writing conferences, as well as workshops and women’s retreats. When she’s not happily lost in someone else’s book or plugging away her on own, she can be found spoiling her nieces and nephews, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next fictional hero. Connect with Melissa at melissatagg.com.</div></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></div></div>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-29397534908769592432023-03-03T11:19:00.005-05:002023-03-03T11:19:44.022-05:00The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoxu_nkgBhinRkP1m-6qe1R8LrmjEhN3nKbX3IYAvcs17ub2mxI43Bssm-G_hWV9bxUTBGsQRVF0EnxAv5PFYveVCKuxXGrTqJzNNFFxL3QzDNIC5YvFGKoLez65YjJyUb6SZUMCg0zDsTUfW0okAPbDglC947NgN9c2nxD2QllFI4sduCQ/s1000/10EFED94-BDDB-4E29-8299-E248A37D4150.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="647" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJoxu_nkgBhinRkP1m-6qe1R8LrmjEhN3nKbX3IYAvcs17ub2mxI43Bssm-G_hWV9bxUTBGsQRVF0EnxAv5PFYveVCKuxXGrTqJzNNFFxL3QzDNIC5YvFGKoLez65YjJyUb6SZUMCg0zDsTUfW0okAPbDglC947NgN9c2nxD2QllFI4sduCQ/w259-h400/10EFED94-BDDB-4E29-8299-E248A37D4150.jpeg" width="259" /></a></div>About the Book</b></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px;"><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1">Copenhagen, 1940<br />When the Germans march into Denmark, Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt exchanges his nobility for anonymity, assuming a new identity so he can secretly row messages for the Danish Resistance across the waters to Sweden. American physicist Dr. Else Jensen refuses to leave Copenhagen and abandon her research--her life's dream--and makes the dangerous decision to print resistance newspapers.<br />As Else hears rumors of the movement's legendary Havmand--the merman--she also becomes intrigued by the mysterious and silent shipyard worker living in the same boardinghouse. Henrik makes every effort to conceal his noble upbringing, but he is torn between the façade he must maintain and the woman he is beginning to fall in love with.<br />When the Occupation cracks down on the Danes, these two passionate people will discover if there is more power in speech . . . or in silence.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1"><b>My Thoughts</b></span></p></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;">I’ve been a long time fan of Sarah Sundin, WWII is my favorite time period and she writes it like no other. Sadly this book didn’t quite measure up to the quality we usually get from her. I still enjoyed the story overall but it was lacking the usual Sundin magic.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 17px;"> </span></div><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Else was extremely smart and talented but she also had a humility and kindness to her that was admirable. She was willing to take risks to help others with little thought to her own safety. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Henrik was a little bit of a puzzle, he had an attitude and persona before the war that seemed to just magically do a 180 when the story picked back up and it would have been nice to see the progression a little more. He also played his role as the simple minded worker a little too well and that’s kind of the impression he left in my brain overall rather than the educated aristocrat he was. I did like his character though and admired all that he did and gave up for the resistance. </span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">I didn’t mind the romance between Else and Henrik but it wasn’t my favorite and felt a bit forced into the story at times.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">It was interesting to see the war from the Danish perspective, which isn’t seen as much in WWII fiction (though all the Danish names, places, and terms were hard to pronounce and took me out of the story a bit) and was very fascinating to this history nerd.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">So while this wasn’t my favorite Sundin novel I did still enjoy several aspects of it and I’m looking forward to reading what she writes next!</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><b>Meet the Author</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KM8PpD86APT96Hr1Ll9em_ytvXSEcjTmpULdBmEPD1fExpMJ3WLCwJa82q3LJurO5uTDwLCawM3c-8FH9sPJ8gaaA8k5xJoDscTysbzofLBjXqxiSVELcBP-UCdvpB-zPcbm-ca2T9iwYg56qj6S7DuDmPleiXFCiG6fNYPL5fiGx1c6iw/s600/5708F6C3-5127-4FD9-B17B-E0430CC69DC2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="547" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KM8PpD86APT96Hr1Ll9em_ytvXSEcjTmpULdBmEPD1fExpMJ3WLCwJa82q3LJurO5uTDwLCawM3c-8FH9sPJ8gaaA8k5xJoDscTysbzofLBjXqxiSVELcBP-UCdvpB-zPcbm-ca2T9iwYg56qj6S7DuDmPleiXFCiG6fNYPL5fiGx1c6iw/w183-h200/5708F6C3-5127-4FD9-B17B-E0430CC69DC2.jpeg" width="183" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;">Sarah Sundin is the aww bestselling author of When Twilight Breaks, Until Leaves Fall in Paris,and the popular WWII series Sunrise at Normandy, among others. She is a Christy Award finalist and a Carol Award winner, and her novels have received starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly, and have appeared on Booklist's "101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years." Sarah lives in California. Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information.</span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody;"></span></p><p class="p1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-size: 17px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="s1" style="font-family: UICTFontTextStyleItalicBody; font-style: italic;">I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </span></p>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-88697694005495162462022-10-18T19:11:00.004-04:002022-10-18T19:11:45.717-04:00A Game of Hearts by Joanna Barker<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1664003704l/61409925._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="308" height="475" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1664003704l/61409925._SY475_.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>About the Book</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>If you can't join them, beat them.</div><div>Marigold Cartwell has only one goal: to defeat her long-time rival on the archery field. She knows she can outshoot irritating, cynical Tristan Gates, but the local bowmen’s society—the one he belongs to—refuses to allow women to compete. Spurred on by their rejection, Marigold decides to start a new society. Naturally, it has only one rule: no men.</div><div>Tristan Gates is used to Marigold Cartwell always getting her way, so he is far from surprised when she forms her own society. He knows how relentless she can be, something he learned firsthand facing her at the targets. But Tristan has enough worries of his own, what with his bachelor uncle falling in love with a fortune hunter. He has no time to entertain Marigold’s ambitions.</div><div>However, after a visit to the seashore ends in disaster—and scandal—Marigold and Tristan soon realize how little they know about each other. The strained tension between them quickly turns to simmering attraction, but an important archery competition looms ahead. Lines are drawn all around them, with Marigold and Tristan on opposite sides, and neither can afford to lose. Yet winning might be the very thing to tear them apart.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Thoughts</b></div><div><div>This is one of those books that was just a complete delight from start to finish! Enemies to more can be hit or miss for me but the author absolutely hit the bull's-eye (pun totally intended) with this one! Tristan and Marigold had such fun wit and banter and their dislike for each other was completely genuine at the start but it slowly turned to a different emotion all together! I loved their every interaction and they had me laughing out loud several times! They were so perfectly matched in every way and I loved watching them slowly discover that!</div><div>I won’t spoil anything but I was highly satisfied with the way things played out and certain problems were resolved! I kept fearing things would go one way only for them to go a much better route!</div><div>I also really enjoyed the side characters and their relationships with Tristan and Marigold-they truly had a great support system!</div><div>The archery angle was unique and fun and added a cool layer to the story!</div><div>This book will for sure be one of my favorites this year and I cannot recommend it enough!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Meet the Author<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://timelessnovels.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/barker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="231" height="200" src="https://timelessnovels.files.wordpress.com/2019/10/barker.jpg" width="132" /></a></div></b></div><div>Joanna Barker firmly believes that romance makes everything better, which is why she has fallen in love with writing Regency romances. When she’s not typing away on her next book, you’ll find her listening to podcasts, eating her secret stash of chocolate, or adding things to her Amazon cart. Joanna is a three-time Whitney Awards finalist, and her books have received praise from Publisher’s Weekly, the Historical Novel Society, Readers’ Favorite, and more. She thinks being an author is the second-best job in the world—right after being a mom. She is just a little crazy about her husband and three wild-but-loveable kids.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></div></div></div></div>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-25253592168300721642022-10-12T07:52:00.003-04:002022-10-12T07:52:38.142-04:00A Hope and A Prayer by Julie Lessman<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8tMkVCgkKAZxlV-_Va_RxKbBglLrXnIkzPv_DeZA6PQqkXcY9zpNvWPTDHl0R-v9HqZ244DpPMq1QwMahkql_LBStC63imjZVzk5AwffEuHvmB-A_YctyrMYSsQFF3DdyIzI2sdvTYmx0gYxCm36XHT7RR0tL2UEgNa_j9NUT3PjYHMBAA/s320/JulieLessman_AHopeandaPrayer_800.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="213" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf8tMkVCgkKAZxlV-_Va_RxKbBglLrXnIkzPv_DeZA6PQqkXcY9zpNvWPTDHl0R-v9HqZ244DpPMq1QwMahkql_LBStC63imjZVzk5AwffEuHvmB-A_YctyrMYSsQFF3DdyIzI2sdvTYmx0gYxCm36XHT7RR0tL2UEgNa_j9NUT3PjYHMBAA/w266-h400/JulieLessman_AHopeandaPrayer_800.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div>About the Book</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>She’s in love with her best friend. </div><div>He’s in love with her cousin.</div><div>But when the war reveals a gift so rare, </div><div>will they be saved by a hope and a prayer?</div><div>As Head Nurse at 2d Hospital in Nancy, France, Lieutenant Hope Dennehy is known for her healing touch, especially when it comes to mending the wounds and spirit of her best friend, Lieutenant Bren O’Neill. When Hope’s cousin breaks Bren’s heart, Hope is always there, helping to heal him with a friendship so anointed and deep, it threatens to break her heart too.</div><div>Flying high as a daredevil aeromedical evac pilot in the European Theatre, “Lieutenant Love” O’Neill crashes and burns when the woman he loves falls for another. Depending on the support and prayers of Nurse Hope Dennehy to save him, Bren re-evaluates his free-wheeling lifestyle when he witnesses the heinous atrocities of the Buchenwald concentration camp. Suddenly nothing in life is as important as taking care of those he loves … or is it? Battling demons from his past, Bren learns that only one thing can truly save him from himself.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Thoughts</b></div><div><div>The O’Conners have long been one of my absolute favorite fictional families so I’m always excited to reenter their world! This time it’s the first of the O’Conner grandchildren’s turn to find love.</div><div>Hope is a very selfless and loving person and her faith shines through everything that she says and does. Bren appears to be her opposite with his reputation and drinking but he also has the biggest heart and would do anything for those closest to him. He’s a bit thick headed though and it took him far to long to get his act together despite the love and care of his friends, sobering experiences, and the risk of losing everything he cared about. He finally does wake up and he and Hope are very well matched, she softens him and he brings out some of her fire.</div><div>There were times where the story dragged a little and I wasn’t as engaged with the plot but I did still enjoy Hope and Bren’s journey and was happy to see them come together in the end.</div><div>It was also great to get to see more of the rest of the O’Conners and catch up on their lives!</div><div><br /></div><div>*Couldn’t end this review without a little bit of a disclaimer/warning. There are a few chapters that take place at a liberated concentration camp and it gets a little more descriptive than necessary at times. Plus there are a few comparisons that’s aren’t particularly sensitive so just a heads up if that's something that bothers you.</div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>About the Author<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPyINHbRDYEuCBbAWPG0f92ITdnX4MDk1qGqOCK1Kr0q_cM2d2u0qoIxXYS446mvtroBfdPzAE0qBmTtxHe9qmTO9tkBcxmOWjynmoU_CukTrio7dD7pP4GasfjvdPRFx-8UkQDd3EVaDYb96QhQS5rsakRU1Kp_7CcblpRwD7YlZleKAKg/s320/JULIE_BLACK&BRASS%20HEAD%20SHOT.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="229" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxPyINHbRDYEuCBbAWPG0f92ITdnX4MDk1qGqOCK1Kr0q_cM2d2u0qoIxXYS446mvtroBfdPzAE0qBmTtxHe9qmTO9tkBcxmOWjynmoU_CukTrio7dD7pP4GasfjvdPRFx-8UkQDd3EVaDYb96QhQS5rsakRU1Kp_7CcblpRwD7YlZleKAKg/w143-h200/JULIE_BLACK&BRASS%20HEAD%20SHOT.jpeg" width="143" /></a></div></b></div><div>A lover of all things Irish, Julie Lessman writes close-knit Irish family sagas that evolve into 3-D love stories: the hero, the heroine, and the God that brings them together.</div><div>Author of The Daughters of Boston, Winds of Change, Heart of San Francisco, Isle of Hope, and Silver Lining Ranch series, Julie was American Christian Fiction Writers 2009 Debut Author of the Year and has garnered over 21 Romance Writers of America and other awards. Voted #1 Romance Author in Family Fiction magazine’s 2012 and 2011 Reader’s Choice Awards, Julie’s novels also made Family Fiction magazine’s Best of 2015, Best of 2014, and “Essential Christian Romance Authors” 2017-2020, as well as Booklist’s 2010 Top 10 Inspirational Fiction and Borders Best Fiction.</div><div>Julie has also written a self-help workbook for writers entitled Romance-ology 101: Writing Romantic Tension for the Sweet and Inspirational Markets. Contact Julie through her website at <i>www.julielessman.com</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></div><div><br /></div></div></div>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-6731902876279214422022-10-05T21:46:00.001-04:002022-10-05T21:46:12.437-04:00A Seaside Wonder by Melissa Tagg<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51-j7SwQhzL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="324" height="500" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51-j7SwQhzL.jpg" width="324" /></a></div>About the Book</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>In one evening, Indi's world falls apart. Enter the shy professor her family mistakes for her fiancé . . . make that ex-fiancé.</div><div>Professor Philip West never wanted to return to Maine . . . or his grandfather’s miserable old house. But after his mother’s death, he’s now the guardian of a teenage half sister who doesn’t want anything to do with him. He longs to help her heal, but he’s exhausted and numb, desperate for relief of his own. Maybe that’s why he’s so easily distracted when he happens upon the little shop with an intriguing owner—one who happens to share a name with someone from his grandfather's mysterious past.</div><div>More than a decade has passed since Indi Muir made the heartbreaking decision she’s never recovered from—though she’s certainly tried. She has a full life running her shop and creating the artsy pieces that fill its shelves. If she can just stay busy, she’ll keep her hurt and regret at bay. But when her ex-fiancé returns to Muir Harbor, he brings news that shatters her carefully built walls. Things only get worse when lurking danger comes calling at her childhood home.</div><div>The one bright spot amid Indi’s turmoil is the shy stranger who wandered into her shop months ago and his moody but lovable sister. As she confronts her past and the mysterious threat facing her family, she’s intent on helping Philip win over his sister. He just might win over Indi, too, if they can overcome old secrets and wounds, outrun rising peril . . . and take a chance on love.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Thoughts</b></div><div><div>The wait is always worth it for a Melissa Tagg novel! I have be anxiously awaiting this second book in the Muir Harbor series since I read the last page of the first one and I’m so happy to report that it is every bit as beautiful as I knew it would be!</div><div>Indi intrigued me from the moment we met her and I loved getting to know her more as we got to get in her head. She had a very vibrant personality that circumstances and regrets had dulled but I loved seeing her start to come to life again.</div><div>I absolutely loved Philip! I definitely have a soft spot for the nerdy and slightly awkward heroes and he definitely fit the bill. He was so gentle and unassuming with Indi and was just the steady presence that she needed in her life. And the way he stepped in with his half sister and was willing to do whatever necessary to mend their relationship and help her was entirely endearing. Honestly everything about him was endearing from the way he stuttered when he was uncomfortable to his calling Indi “Farmgirl” I just loved it all!</div><div>Holland, Philip’s half sister, had a lot of snark and just enough sweet to make her lovable, which was the perfect mix!</div><div>It was really fun to escape back to Muir Harbor and spend more time with all the Muirs! We got some more pieces of the mystery figured out and I can’t wait for book 3 to find out the rest! Also Wilder and Lillian’s story is just going to be the best!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1531363910p8/6929010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="687" data-original-width="700" height="196" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1531363910p8/6929010.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>Meet the Author</b></div><div><div>Melissa Tagg is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and Carol Award-winning author of swoony and hope-filled small-town contemporary romances. She’s also a former reporter, current nonprofit marketing strategist, and total Iowa girl.</div><div>Melissa has taught at multiple national writing conferences, as well as workshops and women’s retreats. When she’s not happily lost in someone else’s book or plugging away her on own, she can be found spoiling her nieces and nephews, watching old movies, and daydreaming about her next fictional hero. Connect with Melissa at melissatagg.com.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></div></div></div></div></div>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-67297807602379271842022-10-05T21:27:00.001-04:002022-10-05T21:27:12.816-04:00Sunburst by Susan May Warren<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://assets.localretailconnect.com/cr/product-image/36/9780800739836.jpg?tr=w-350" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="541" data-original-width="350" height="400" src="https://assets.localretailconnect.com/cr/product-image/36/9780800739836.jpg?tr=w-350" width="259" /></a></div>About the Book</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>When former Navy SEAL and lifelong bachelor Ranger Kingston is called upon to take part in a rescue mission to save his brother Colt, who has been kidnapped by terrorists in Nigeria, he is shocked to find among the hostages a woman he knows and could never forget.</div><div>Noemi Sutton was attempting to return a young girl to her family in Boko Haram territory when she and the girl found themselves taken hostage, along with several others.</div><div>And while Ranger Kingston may be able to get the hostages away from their captors, he'll need Noemi's help if he ever hopes to get out of Nigeria alive.</div><div>Her solution? Pose as husband and wife. But when her uncle discovers the union, he insists on a traditional Nigerian wedding--binding Noemi to a man destined to break her heart. Worse, she's discovered the real reason she was kidnapped, and anyone around her is bound to be caught in the cross fire. Including her so-called new husband.</div><div>She'll need to figure out a way to leave the man she loves if she wants to save his life.</div><div>USA Today bestselling author Susan May Warren throws you into the thick of the action in this high-stakes, globe-trotting romance.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Thoughts</b></div><div><div>I always jump at the chance to read a Susan May Warren novel and this one was another stellar story!</div><div>I loved that we got to experience Africa and Alaska-two very different cultures but Warren was able to immerse us in both!</div><div>There was plenty of action but not so much that you couldn’t catch your breath which is the perfect balance in my opinion!</div><div>Ranger intrigued me from what we got to know of him in the last book so I was really excited to dive into his story and he did not disappoint! I loved his determination to do whatever needed to be done and felt for him as he tried to figure out his next steps after his life plan was derailed.</div><div>Noemi was a great match for Ranger, her stubbornness got her in trouble sometimes but it also gave her strength to do hard things.</div><div>The two of them were fantastic together and I loved the sparks between them! I also liked how they had a bit of history to their romance!</div><div>All in all another fantastic SMW novel and it left me highly anticipating book 3!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Meet the Author<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1281368692p5/54106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="200" height="194" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1281368692p5/54106.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></b></div><div>Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of nearly 90 novels with more than 1.5 million books sold, including the Global Search and Rescue and the Montana Rescue series, as well as Sunrise and Sunburst. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers' Choice Awards, Susan makes her home in Minnesota. Find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook @SusanMayWarrenFiction, and on Twitter @SusanMayWarren.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></div></div></div></div>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-35049496896374515812022-08-05T15:17:00.001-04:002022-08-05T15:17:04.827-04:00Crossfire by Lynette Eason<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiC4p1pcpCUHgrm9b7Vl6i6CawCbYpslt15khF_CoxvaANQFXBMmBO99-UzZzSV7cmP48y4JmJOGCzGFhXTzD_fHBXEX3Tc-ijd_34q9EKYCmHlOOC36KkUWLZVJ8fJvFt16oXIk8kEqAAWjRhdCm3zQmlbVV27CQAzDNkq4h7trGXuZqO4A/s2550/821DFDBB-1D1B-41E5-A56A-74F6FB87CF56.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="1651" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiC4p1pcpCUHgrm9b7Vl6i6CawCbYpslt15khF_CoxvaANQFXBMmBO99-UzZzSV7cmP48y4JmJOGCzGFhXTzD_fHBXEX3Tc-ijd_34q9EKYCmHlOOC36KkUWLZVJ8fJvFt16oXIk8kEqAAWjRhdCm3zQmlbVV27CQAzDNkq4h7trGXuZqO4A/w259-h400/821DFDBB-1D1B-41E5-A56A-74F6FB87CF56.jpeg" width="259" /></a></div>About the Book</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>She's never lost a hostage. Surely she can manage to take care of her sister.</div><div>FBI special agent Julianna Jameson is a top-notch negotiator, but when her much younger sister, Dottie, needs a place to live while she finishes high school, Julianna's skills will be put to the test.</div><div>Former sniper Clay Fox left the army after a tragic incident that he can't get past. Until he can figure out what to do with the rest of his life, he's working as a resource officer at a school. Dottie's school. </div><div>When Julianna is called in to negotiate a courtroom hostage situation involving Clay's sister, he's impressed--and, if he's honest, a bit intimidated--by the calm, capable woman with the dark hair and blue eyes, and invites her to speak at the school. </div><div>But as the anniversary of a school shooting from Julianna's past approaches, it becomes clear that her perfect record is about to be tested and that Dottie is at risk. If Julianna and Clay can't figure out who's behind the attacks, more innocent people will die--and Dottie is next in line.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div><b>My Thoughts</b></div><div>After hearing positive things about this one from my bestie I was really excited to dive in and it did not disappoint! </div><div>I loved that it started off with a hostage negotiation scene! Not only did it immediately hook me into the story but it reminded me of one of my favorite books (The Negotiator by Dee Henderson). Hostage negotiator is not a common career in books and that made it even more fascinating to read about!</div><div>Clay and Julianna were both really great characters and I liked them together as a couple. They both had some trauma in their past to make peace with but they were able to help each other.</div><div>The mystery and suspense angles were well done in this book, there was enough to keep me guessing throughout yet I was able to figure out some of the pieces-the perfect balance! </div><div>This was a great follow up to the last book and I am already looking forward to book 3! </div><div></div><div>*On a side note that did not affect my opinion of the book, if anyone can explain to me why this book is called Crossfire I would really appreciate it because it made no sense as a title to me!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Meet the Author<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSggj0SoyPDRhP768EaKCdEJKcu0dGrqN47ZMdkWFyMX2j_EGC9BqJujmceNKwsrEfLhHKVn1FkGRR-Nw8FHK4EiMk6J61bhUGqo9K-HDcWOSq2ZN7mAxREPXL5p6UtWXr6JgK2xhkOUArHnzbCY8fmj5ZBvwmHMmBUyiOu17MancVl4wsTQ/s800/422563CC-F5AC-4F86-A3A0-C9A0E932AD1F.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="800" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSggj0SoyPDRhP768EaKCdEJKcu0dGrqN47ZMdkWFyMX2j_EGC9BqJujmceNKwsrEfLhHKVn1FkGRR-Nw8FHK4EiMk6J61bhUGqo9K-HDcWOSq2ZN7mAxREPXL5p6UtWXr6JgK2xhkOUArHnzbCY8fmj5ZBvwmHMmBUyiOu17MancVl4wsTQ/w200-h163/422563CC-F5AC-4F86-A3A0-C9A0E932AD1F.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div></b></div><div>Lynette Eason is the USA Today bestselling author of Life Flight and Crossfire, as well asthe Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master's degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.</div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></div></div>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-72445852218992242282022-06-30T22:06:00.002-04:002022-06-30T22:06:20.761-04:00The Catch by Lisa Harris<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41sASnvhFeL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="324" height="400" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41sASnvhFeL.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>About the Book</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>After a harrowing attempt on a judge's life at the courthouse, Deputy US Marshals Madison James and Jonas Quinn are tasked with finding a missing woman and an endangered child in connection to the murder of the judge's wife. What seems like a fairly straightforward case becomes hopelessly tangled when the marshals discover that the woman they are searching for is not who they think she is.</div><div>Madison and Jonas are forced into a race to find the woman and the child before the men who want her dead discover her location. And in a final showdown that could cost her everything, Madison will come face-to-face with the person who murdered her husband.</div><div>USA Today bestselling author Lisa Harris concludes her thrilling US Marshals series with this breathless tale of secrets kept, lies exposed, and ultimately, justice prevailing.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Thoughts</b></div><div><div>This series has been an amazing ride and this book was the perfect conclusion!</div><div>I loved how the author balanced the conclusion to the mystery behind who had killed Madison’s husband with the new case of trying to find a missing woman and baby. It never felt like there was too much going on and I was invested in both outcomes! There were countless twists and turns as well as plenty of page turning action that kept me hooked into the story and reading as fast as I could!</div><div>Jonas and Madison have been fantastic characters throughout the whole series and their slow burn romance has been building with expert timing and it was so fun to finally see them get together!</div><div>In short I completely enjoyed this book and highly recommend the whole series!</div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><div><b>Meet the Author<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/amzn-author-media-prod/p2b58vvevvj6o0c71u423obg13._SY600_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/amzn-author-media-prod/p2b58vvevvj6o0c71u423obg13._SY600_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></b></div><div>Lisa Harris is a USA Today bestselling author, a Christy Award winner, and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel from Romantic Times for her novels Blood Covenant and Vendetta. The author of more than forty books, including The Escape, The Chase, The Traitor's Pawn, Vanishing Point, A Secret to Die For, and Deadly Intentions, as well as The Nikki Boyd Files and the Southern Crimes series, Harris and her family have spent over 17 years living as missionaries in southern Africa. She is currently stateside in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Learn more at www.lisaharriswrites.com.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></div></div></div></div>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-62129314943571647522022-06-30T21:58:00.001-04:002022-06-30T21:58:14.741-04:00Fatal Code by Natalie Walters<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn.cokesbury.com/images/products/ExtraLarge/556/9780800741556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="259" height="400" src="https://cdn.cokesbury.com/images/products/ExtraLarge/556/9780800741556.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>About the Book</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>In 1964, a group of scientists called the Los Alamos Five came close to finishing a nuclear energy project for the United States government when they were abruptly disbanded. Now the granddaughter of one of those five scientists, aerospace engineer Elinor Mitchell, discovers that she has highly sensitive information on the project in her possession--and a target on her back.</div><div>SNAP agent and former Navy cryptologist Kekoa Young is tasked with monitoring Elinor. This is both convenient since she's his neighbor in Washington, DC, and decidedly inconvenient because . . . well, he kind of likes her.</div><div>As Elinor follows the clues her grandfather left behind to a top-secret nuclear project, Kekoa has no choice but to step in. When Elinor learns he has been spying on her, she's crushed. But with danger closing in on all sides, she'll have to trust him to ensure her discoveries stay out of enemy hands.</div><div>Natalie Walters sucks you into the global race for space domination in this perfectly paced second installment of her SNAP Agency romantic suspense series.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Thoughts</b></div><div><div>I’m pretty sure that Natalie Walters improves with each book and this one was my favorite yet!</div><div>Kekoa was a fun character in book one but I wasn’t sure how he would transition into a leading man but he stepped into the role seamlessly. He was the quirky tech guy but he also was willing to step into danger to protect those close to him. I will admit that his Hawaiian surfer dude lingo was distracting to me at first (even though it was totally authentic to his character and where he was from) but eventually it grew on me enough that I didn’t even notice it by the end.</div><div>While Kekoa was techy, Elinor took nerdy to a whole new level, but she wore it well and it was actually super endearing on her. She was just one of those genuinely kind and sweet people and you couldn’t help but love her.</div><div>The two of them were really cute together and I enjoyed watching them start to fall for each other!</div><div>The intrigue and suspense was engaging and had me trying to figure things out until the end!</div><div>Definitely Walters’ best yet and I can’t wait for the next one!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i0.wp.com/beckiebythebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ce391q72jno1afe154fsbvnbif._SX450_-e1652213845756.jpg?ssl=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="250" height="200" src="https://i0.wp.com/beckiebythebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/ce391q72jno1afe154fsbvnbif._SX450_-e1652213845756.jpg?ssl=1" width="134" /></a></div><b>Meet the Author<br /></b></div><div>Natalie Walters is the author of Lights Out, as well as the Harbored Secrets series. A military wife, she currently resides in Texas with her soldier husband and is the proud mom of three. She loves traveling, spending time with her family, and connecting with readers on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more at www.nataliewalterswriter.com.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></div></div></div></div>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-79684150495833828282022-05-10T10:30:00.003-04:002022-05-10T10:30:30.998-04:00Out of the Blue by Susan L. Tuttle<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzL0nKFQtu0yyZUbCh4aAkLEmVVR7QzEr2kKT0UNZg9DHCESE_MMda45Lmz1ufWSb8-7qk2pPm0oPwsDlJ-af9ftmILQuzeBrOt2DK0i_H_x29H7Jkcd0RFs-QPjwY1HDDiaHfl4rH2Uyh0Dy6hHtNFI_SCa-w8GV4nMA6o9rAXELTnbdMQ/s1661/28BC1E82-8976-48A0-AD32-374514EFAE75.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1661" data-original-width="1114" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrzL0nKFQtu0yyZUbCh4aAkLEmVVR7QzEr2kKT0UNZg9DHCESE_MMda45Lmz1ufWSb8-7qk2pPm0oPwsDlJ-af9ftmILQuzeBrOt2DK0i_H_x29H7Jkcd0RFs-QPjwY1HDDiaHfl4rH2Uyh0Dy6hHtNFI_SCa-w8GV4nMA6o9rAXELTnbdMQ/w269-h400/28BC1E82-8976-48A0-AD32-374514EFAE75.jpeg" width="269" /></a></div>About the Book</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Falling in love again wasn’t on her checklist, but he’s about to pencil it in.</div><div>Nate Reynolds’s ugly history has dogged him long enough. He has spent years reforming himself, but there has to be a purpose for all the pain in his youth. When he discovers the perfect campground for rehabbing juvenile delinquents, he sees his chance for redemption. Even if it means butting heads with the owner’s granddaughter, Gwen Doornbos, a woman who, for all her sharp edges, possesses a heart similar to his. The more time he spends with her, the more he envisions a future he once thought impossible.</div><div>Four years ago, Gwen Doornbos lost her husband at the hands of a troubled teen. Her dream of ministering to kids died with him, and she returned home to help her grandfather run their family summer camp until his retirement. That day has finally arrived, except her grandfather has other plans for Camp Hideaway, and they include the irritatingly handsome Nate, a do-gooder with more brawn than sense who insists on bringing the past right to her door.</div><div>When an accident requires Gwen to temporarily assist Nate, she discovers that the campers challenge her in ways she’s not ready to face. Yet if she can find the courage to stay, the darkness that has shrouded her for so long may lift to reveal a love arriving out of the blue.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Thoughts</b></div><div><div>Anyone else get a little nervous when one of your favorite author’s releases a new book? I always get just a little worried that each new book just might be the one I don’t enjoy. But thankfully Susan Tuttle’s streak remains unbroken. This one didn’t unseat my favorites of hers but I still thoroughly enjoyed it! </div><div>Gwen was a tough nut to crack for sure. After facing unimaginable grief she had closed herself off and allowed bitterness and anger to to root and poison her outlook on what had once been her ministry. She came across very unlikable at first but I was also able to see through her pointed words to the hurt that lay underneath-not excusing her harshness but understanding what caused it. And I loved seeing her growth and softening as the story progressed. It wasn’t an easy journey but slowly she was able to release her anger and see things through eyes of grace.</div><div>I absolutely loved Nate. He had the biggest heart and was willing to do whatever it took to help even just one kid. Yes, he was a little naive at moments but he truly wanted to give everyone a chance to prove they could be better. And I loved the way he gently prodded Gwen toward seeing the good as well. He also was endlessly patient with the kids and Gwen, guiding and pushing when needed but never forcing. And the respectful way he handled honoring Gwen’s late husband while carving space in her life for him was definitely well done. </div><div>Nate and Gwen were definitely opposites in most regards but they balanced each other out and were exactly what the other one needed. </div><div>I was thoroughly caught up in this story and, other than Gwen’s less than stellar moments, enjoyed every moment. I also really hope there will be some follow up books about certain characters!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Meet the Author<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj197mxdZdkLe28aaOWf-aBukSHIkW9Vr8wXfBuRrR-_w2nT1K7GQ4hM5kja4xAn929LjANli2qTYUTtwjCXpbIB4wFzsdfbPKHUh85ZjS2PqxRTEc09pKcVgzl62U-qM3LhTkeIdN8JgX5NGQz_Ib0n82Ipq-23uNp52MhCGfRD4sN4bv7DQ/s1024/8EBBFFD8-C5D1-403F-B67E-6BA1427ED6FA.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj197mxdZdkLe28aaOWf-aBukSHIkW9Vr8wXfBuRrR-_w2nT1K7GQ4hM5kja4xAn929LjANli2qTYUTtwjCXpbIB4wFzsdfbPKHUh85ZjS2PqxRTEc09pKcVgzl62U-qM3LhTkeIdN8JgX5NGQz_Ib0n82Ipq-23uNp52MhCGfRD4sN4bv7DQ/w200-h200/8EBBFFD8-C5D1-403F-B67E-6BA1427ED6FA.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div></b></div><div>ACFW Carol Award finalist, Susan L. Tuttle lives in Michigan, the Mitten State, where she’s a mom of three and happily married to her best friend. Between homeschooling her youngest and leading the women’s ministry at church, she finds time to write stories filled with inspiration, hope, and encouragement. Connect with Susan at susanltuttle.com.</div><div><br /></div><div><i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></div></div>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-27145160395045483962022-02-20T16:33:00.001-05:002022-02-20T16:33:11.392-05:00In Search of a Prince by Toni Shiloh<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1623264905l/58302844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="519" height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1623264905l/58302844.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>About the Book</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>It seems like a dream come true . . . until it forces her to question everything.</div><div>Brielle Adebayo is fully content teaching at a New York City public school and taking annual summer vacations with her mother to Martha's Vineyard. But everything changes when her mom drops a bombshell--Brielle is really a princess in the island kingdom of Ọlọrọ Ilé, off the coast of Africa, and she must immediately assume her royal position, since the health of her grandfather, the king, is failing.</div><div>Distraught by all the secrets her mother kept, Brielle is further left spinning when the Ọlọrọ Ilé Royal Council brings up an old edict that states she must marry before her coronation, or the crown will pass to another. Brielle is uncertain if she even wants the throne, and with her world totally shaken, where will she find the courage to take a chance on love and brave the perils a wrong decision may bring?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Thoughts</b></div><div><div>Some books you go into with certain expectations and this was one of those. With this stunning and eye catching cover I was instantly intrigued and then sweetening the pot with it being a royal romance I knew I had to check it out! Adding to that the fact that I’ve been hearing lots of good things about this author and I was excited for my chance to read it.</div><div>Unfortunately this quickly became a case of expectations not being met. At the start I was interested and hopeful but then things started to go off the rails and it became a bit of a struggle for me to finish.</div><div>Brielle had a big heart and she handled the crazy life changes about as well as could be expected. I just wanted a little more maturity from her because she read a little more like a YA heroine rather than a 25 year old teacher.</div><div>The hero in a novel that is written in first person from the heroine’s perspective is always a little tricky to make stand out and sadly Tomori just read kind of flat in my opinion. I appreciated the way he supported and was there for Brielle but I still wanted him to have a little more of a backbone and personality.</div><div>As with most royal stories the author created a fictional country and she definitely spent a lot of time crafting it which was very evident. The unique names and language were a bit hard to follow and took me out of the story at times trying to pronounce them but they did add some authenticity.</div><div>The faith element was extremely strong in this book, but it felt more forced in there rather than being a natural out flowing. It’s a difficult balance to find between clearly displaying the faith thread and not hitting the reader over the head with it and unfortunately in this book it came across a bit disingenuous.</div><div>There was also a little bit of a mystery thread which was a fun surprise (though I totally called the whodunnit).</div><div>Ultimately I think this book will hit the right spot with other readers but for me it was a miss.</div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://thegreenmockingbird.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/option2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="200" src="https://thegreenmockingbird.files.wordpress.com/2021/06/option2.jpg" width="133" /></a></div></div><div><b>Meet the Author</b></div><div>Toni Shiloh (www.tonishiloh.com) is a wife, mom, and multi-published Christian contemporary romance author. Her novel Grace Restored was a 2019 Holt Medallion finalist, and Risking Love was a 2020 Selah Award finalist. As a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), Toni loves connecting with readers and authors alike via social media. </div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></div></div></div></div>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-9595025785300451872022-02-20T16:22:00.000-05:002022-02-20T16:22:08.595-05:00Until Leaves Fall in Paris by Sarah Sundin<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn.bakerbookhouse.com/product/bpg/9780800736378/f43ba1ed-0d17-4b7e-9e8f-8f07aae911d2/L.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="518" height="400" src="https://cdn.bakerbookhouse.com/product/bpg/9780800736378/f43ba1ed-0d17-4b7e-9e8f-8f07aae911d2/L.png" width="259" /></a></div>About the Book</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>As the Nazis march toward Paris in 1940, American ballerina Lucie Girard buys her favorite English-language bookstore to allow the Jewish owners to escape. Lucie struggles to run Green Leaf Books due to oppressive German laws and harsh conditions, but she finds a way to aid the resistance by passing secret messages between the pages of her books.</div><div>Widower Paul Aubrey wants nothing more than to return to the States with his little girl, but the US Army convinces him to keep his factory running and obtain military information from his German customers. As the war rages on, Paul offers his own resistance by sabotaging his product and hiding British airmen in his factory. After they meet in the bookstore, Paul and Lucie are drawn to each other, but she rejects him when she discovers he sells to the Germans. And for Paul to win her trust would mean betraying his mission.</div><div>Master of WWII-era fiction Sarah Sundin invites you onto the streets of occupied Paris to discover whether love or duty will prevail.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>My Thoughts</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Sarah Sundin is one of the many reasons that WWII is my favorite historical time period, no one writes this genre quite like she does!</div><div>Sometimes I forget just how long WWII was brewing in Europe before the US joined and I’ve been really appreciating the way Sundin has been highlighting what things were like in those early days in this book and her last novel.</div><div>Paris isn’t my favorite city for books to be set in (don’t come at me) but it was also fascinating to see how things progressed in the city of love as the Germans invaded.</div><div>Lucie was such a bright soul, seeing beauty wherever she went. But she also had a strength and resilience to her.</div><div>Paul was much more on the serious side, seeing life through rules and order, but had a good heart and a desire to see good prevail.</div><div>Paul and Lucie fell for each other hard and fast, they were like puzzle pieces fitting together, each having what the other needed to balance them out. They didn’t have an easy road though and they had to fight countless battles to be together.</div><div>I greatly admired the way both of them did their part to help the Allies even at great risk to themselves and their livelihoods. They stood strong under pressure and thought quickly on their feet in ways that I just don’t think I could.</div><div>This book had me on the edge of my seat, anxiously turning pages to see what would happen but also had many sweet and romantic moments to balance it out.</div><div>Overall this was another hit from Sundin and I cannot wait for her next one!</div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/amzn-author-media-prod/t5tigjarbmadfj4vcse8shotc4._SY600_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="547" height="200" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/amzn-author-media-prod/t5tigjarbmadfj4vcse8shotc4._SY600_.jpg" width="182" /></a></div>Meet the Author</div><div>Sarah Sundin is the bestselling author of When Twilight Breaks and several popular WWII series, including Sunrise at Normandy, Waves of Freedom, Wings of the Nightingale, and Wings of Glory. She is a Christy Award finalist and a Carol Award winner, and her novels have received starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly, and have appeared on Booklist's "101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years." Sarah lives in Northern California. Visit www.sarahsundin.com for more information</div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></div></div></div>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-32680900253791394362022-02-20T16:12:00.002-05:002022-02-20T16:12:18.196-05:00To Treasure an Heiress by Roseanna M. White<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1623262577l/58302947.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="518" height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1623262577l/58302947.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>About the Book</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>1906</div><div>Beth Tremayne has always been drawn to adventure. During her childhood, she fed that desire by exploring every inch of the Isles of Scilly. Now, after stumbling across an old collection of letters and a map buried on her family's property, she's found more adventure than she ever anticipated in the hunt for pirate treasure. But in order to discover where the clues lead, she must search alongside Lord Sheridan, a man she finds insufferable.</div><div>Sheridan has spent years pursuing whatever archaeological interests pique his imagination. And when he discovers that Beth's search connects with one of his far-removed pirate ancestors, he can't help getting involved. Plus, he finds her irresistible, even though she insists he stole a prized possession of hers.</div><div>As they work together following different clues and drawing closer to danger, they start to piece together a story of tragic love and piratical adventure. But which treasure will bring the greatest surprise--the one they find in each other or the one just out of their reach?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Thoughts</b></div><div><div>I wasn’t fully sure what to expect going into this book after the last couple from this author weren’t my favorites. But thankfully this one seemed to be more in the direction of her previous works!</div><div>We met Beth and Sheridan in the last book but didn’t really get to know them all that well so I didn’t have a lot of preconceived notions about them.</div><div>Sheridan was a delight-he had a bit of boyish enthusiasm and charm to him but could also be serious when the situation called for it. The way he was utterly enchanted with Beth from the start was so entertaining and sweet. He was unashamed in his affection and unwavering as well and it could have slipped into obnoxious but he rode the line perfectly and I found it endearing.</div><div>Beth was slower to come around to Sheridan but she made her way there and they were adorable together. They both had a similar passion for adventure and discovery and just fit together so perfectly.</div><div>This book had a secondary story like the first one did (which was one of my least favorite parts about that one) but it was a lot less in your face so I didn’t mind it as much.</div><div>The continued search for pirate treasure didn’t capture me as much as it probably will other readers but it was entertaining at times (occasionally the research bits got a little dry) and overall enjoyable.</div><div>The cast of side characters continued over and they’ve slowly won me over to their charming island ways.</div><div>All in all this book was a great read and I’m curious about book three!</div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></div></div><div style="font-weight: bold;">Meet the Author<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR8Mxmt-dBAmN1NJzfcMFoEmg83-rQoopXfYw&usqp=CAU" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="145" height="200" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR8Mxmt-dBAmN1NJzfcMFoEmg83-rQoopXfYw&usqp=CAU" width="145" /></a></div></div><div>Roseanna M. White (www.roseannamwhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. She pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of numerous novels, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to Edwardian British series. Roseanna lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.roseannamwhite.com</div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></div></div></div>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-63657492379916161632022-02-20T16:04:00.000-05:002022-02-20T16:04:17.599-05:00To Disguise the Truth by Jen Turano<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1623264827l/58302929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="517" height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1623264827l/58302929.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>About the Book</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>When a man arrives at the Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency, anxious to hire them to find a missing heiress, Eunice Holbrooke realizes her past has finally caught up with her . . . and that she may no longer be able to hide under the disguise that has kept her safe for so long.</div><div>Arthur Livingston's goal in life is to make his mark on the world as a mining industrialist, but after the man who could help him achieve his goal is murdered, Arthur feels compelled to seek justice for the family--but he's left with more questions than answers after the eccentric Bleecker Street Inquiry Agency refuses to take on his case.</div><div>Desperate to conceal her real identity and avoid the irritatingly handsome Arthur, Eunice takes on a different case that requires her to go deep undercover and entangles her in one troublesome situation after another. When other secrets come to light, Eunice has no choice but to confront her past, hopeful that it will set her free but knowing it could very well place her life--and the lives of those she loves--in jeopardy.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Thoughts</b></div><div><div>Nobody does eccentric historical humor like Jen Turano! Going in you know exactly what you are going to get except you have no idea just how it will play out!</div><div>Eunice has been quite the mysterious character in the first books of this series so it was fun to get to finally know her backstory and get a better look at who she was. She was definitely independent and tenacious but she also had a softer side that had been mostly hidden as she kept a low profile.</div><div>I wasn’t sure what to make of Arthur at first but he quickly grew on me and I liked the way he was determined to see to Eunice’s safety and best interests.</div><div>They made a strong couple and I liked them together!</div><div>There were some parts of the story that confused me as to why they were included since they didn’t seem necessary and were overly detailed. And things definitely got a little chaotic at the end but that’s par for the course with a Turano novel!</div><div>Overall this was a fun read and a satisfying conclusion to the series!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Meet the Author<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71MqGNYhgnL._SY600_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71MqGNYhgnL._SY600_.jpg" width="133" /></a></div></b></div><div>Named one of the funniest voices in inspirational romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She's been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. She and her family live outside of Denver, Colorado. Readers can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and at jenturano.com</div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></div></div></div></div>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-29550411440792383372022-02-17T15:16:00.005-05:002022-02-17T15:16:27.544-05:00Dancing With Dandelion by Tara Grace Ericson<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirfQbIu0zqHJhOdccY9n00ZRo-SwoYFFyH5DDqT66YCNgm8pfj_IAPJRzuKguBc6ij0ocT4AzGywINC2BE3uIHo5proEyDKIg1ymKJ4WwTVMpJtaXUWB2QiYB2O0ixSjmMBEcXpQ6npgIMn_v9kbsbxzqfJU7zWuDlnuH1UST3KNh_MQsUOQ=s2775" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2775" data-original-width="1794" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirfQbIu0zqHJhOdccY9n00ZRo-SwoYFFyH5DDqT66YCNgm8pfj_IAPJRzuKguBc6ij0ocT4AzGywINC2BE3uIHo5proEyDKIg1ymKJ4WwTVMpJtaXUWB2QiYB2O0ixSjmMBEcXpQ6npgIMn_v9kbsbxzqfJU7zWuDlnuH1UST3KNh_MQsUOQ=w259-h400" width="259" /></a></div>About the Book</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>They can’t agree on anything—except that the job comes first.</div><div>Dandelion “Andi” Bloom has sacrificed a lot for her career in the Army. Now that she’s retired, playing security guard at Bloom’s Farm for high-profile events is a welcome change of pace. That is, until hosting a string of political events means working with a Secret Service detail – including a certain special agent she would have rather left behind in Virginia.</div><div>Special Agent Ross McClain takes his job seriously. Even if he has to come to Middle of Nowhere, Indiana to work events for the vice presidential candidate. On Bloom’s Farm, Ross runs into a familiar—and unwelcoming—face. Could this assignment get any worse?</div><div>Despite their mutual disdain, Andi and Ross must work together to provide security for the farm and the candidate. As the assignment goes on, it becomes impossible not to clash over every decision—and even harder to deny their growing chemistry.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Thoughts</b></div><div><div>And just like that we’ve reached the end of the Bloom Sisters!</div><div>We haven’t gotten to see a whole lot of Andi in the previous books so it was interesting to get to see her character fleshed out. I’m not gonna lie, she did rub me wrong at some points (like her unfounded dislike for Ross basically just because he was a confident male) but I did warm up to her at times.</div><div>Ross was great-he knew how to be professional and get the job done but also had a fun side. I enjoyed seeing him wear down Andi’s prickly sides.</div><div>The two of them were kind of hot and cold throughout, but they had some good moments of banter and seemed to make sense as a couple.</div><div>The little bit of a mystery was a fun edition and a good precursor to this author’s upcoming suspense series!</div><div>I enjoyed getting to catch up with all the Bloom siblings in the epilogue and get a glimpse of where they were now.</div><div>Fans of this series will be satisfied with this conclusion I’m sure!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Meet the Author<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/amzn-author-media-prod/v1s7m9djbs7m7080he66bgog9c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/amzn-author-media-prod/v1s7m9djbs7m7080he66bgog9c.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></b></div><div><div>Tara Grace Ericson lives in Missouri with her husband and three sons. She studied engineering and worked as an engineer for many years before embracing her creative side to become a full-time author and mom.</div><div>She loves cooking, crocheting, and reading books by the dozen. She also loves a good “happily ever after” with an engaging love story.</div><div>That's why Tara focuses on writing clean contemporary romance, with an emphasis on Christian faith and living. She wants to encourage her readers with stories of men and women who live out their faith in tough situations.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></div></div></div></div></div>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-66098574536887913532022-02-08T23:16:00.004-05:002022-02-08T23:16:27.971-05:00Life Flight by Lynette Eason<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1623359926l/58211240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="518" height="400" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1623359926l/58211240.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>About the Book</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>EMS helicopter pilot Penny Carlton is used to high stress situations, but being forced to land on a mountain in a raging storm with a critical patient--and a serial killer on the loose--tests her skills and her nerve to the limit. She survives with FBI Special Agent Holt Satterfield's help. But she's not out of the woods yet.</div><div>In the ensuing days, Penny finds herself under attack. And when news reaches Holt that he may not have gotten his man after all, it will take all he and Penny have to catch a killer--before he catches one of them.</div><div>Bestselling and award-winning author Lynette Eason is back with another high-octane tale of close calls, narrow escapes, and the fight to bring a nefarious criminal to justice.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Thoughts</b></div><div><div>This author’s books tend to be hit or miss for me, either I’m raving about them or struggling to get through. Somehow this book was a little bit of both.</div><div>The suspense angle and villain were exceptionally done. Intriguing and dark but not pushing the creepy too far for me. I was invested in all the aspects of the hunt for the serial killer the entire time.</div><div>The characters themselves were great but the romance angle is kind of where this fell apart for me because there really wasn’t any. They had had some previous interactions and continued to have moments together throughout the story but there was no chemistry or spark. They felt like two people involved in a case together. Not saying that they didn’t work as a couple, because I could see how they’d be compatible, but nothing that was on the page screamed “these people are romantically involved.”</div><div>I was also a little confused about the inclusion of the stuff with the hero’s sister. I don’t know why we needed another whole crime to be on the back burner throughout, and the guy was being an absolute idiot not telling the girl about what was going on while at the same time being mad that she hadn’t told him things about her past-major eye-roll moment.</div><div>I did overall enjoy reading this book though and the small problems I had with things were never enough to make me question finishing the book. Overall I think this will be a hit with fans of this author and I’m curious about future books in the series.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1392132049p5/1091207.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="190" height="266" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1392132049p5/1091207.jpg" width="190" /></a></div><b>Meet the Author<br /></b></div><div>Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Life Flight and the Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master's degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></div></div></div></div>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-21064769143574433972022-02-08T22:30:00.006-05:002022-02-08T22:30:52.144-05:00Sunrise by Susan May Warren<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1638825592l/59029957._SY475_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="307" height="475" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1638825592l/59029957._SY475_.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>About the Book</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Pilot Dodge Kingston has always been the heir to Sky King Ranch. But after a terrible family fight, he left to become a pararescue jumper. A decade later, he's headed home to the destiny that awaits him. </div><div>That's not all that's waiting for Dodge. His childhood best friend and former flame, Echo Yazzie, is a true Alaskan--a homesteader, dogsledder, and research guide for the DNR. Most of all, she's living a life Dodge knows could get her killed. One of these days she's going to get lost in the woods again, and his worst fear is that he won't be there to find her.</div><div>When one of Echo's fellow researchers goes missing, Echo sets out to find her, despite a blizzard, a rogue grizzly haunting the woods, and the biting cold. Plus, there's more than just the regular dangers of the Alaskan forests stalking her . . .</div><div>Will Dodge be able to find her in time? And if he does, is there still room for him in her heart?</div><div style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></div><div><b>My Thoughts</b></div><div><div>Susan May Warren always provides a rollercoaster of an adventure and this book was no different!</div><div>I loved the setting of Alaska, and felt like the author did a great job of portraying the beauty and danger of the state.</div><div>I love how SMW keeps connecting her series so the fact that Dodge is the little brother of a heroine from another series was really fun! I liked Dodge and the way he was a man of honor who tried to do the right thing even when it was hard. And the way that he loved Echo even through their years apart was so sweet. Echo was a tough cookie and she definitely had a lot of resentment from her past but she still had a good heart and was willing to take risks if it meant saving someone else. Both Echo and Dodge had some growing to do but I enjoyed seeing them find their way back to each other!</div><div>There wasn’t really a mystery in this book but there were several high suspense scenes to keep you on the edge of your seat!</div><div>This book was definitely an adventure and I already can’t wait for the next two books about the other triplets!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Meet the Author<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/amzn-author-media-prod/28uua0luim7tojpbulcnaei2b8._SX450_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="315" height="194" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/amzn-author-media-prod/28uua0luim7tojpbulcnaei2b8._SX450_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></b></div><div>Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of more than 85 novels with more than 1 million books sold, including the Global Search and Rescue and the Montana Rescue series, as well as Sunrise and Sunburst. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers' Choice Awards, Susan makes her home in Minnesota. Find her online at www.susanmaywarren.com, on Facebook @SusanMayWarrenFiction, and on Twitter @SusanMayWarren.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></div></div></div></div>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-23177065562579767502022-01-24T10:32:00.008-05:002022-01-24T10:36:34.502-05:00Siren of Sussex by Mimi Matthews<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.penguinrandomhouse.com/cover/9780593337134" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="298" height="450" src="https://images.penguinrandomhouse.com/cover/9780593337134" width="298" /></a></div>About the Book</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Victorian high society's most daring equestrienne finds love and an unexpected ally in her fight for independence in the strong arms of London's most sought after and devastatingly handsome half-Indian tailor.</div><div>Evelyn Maltravers understands exactly how little she's worth on the marriage mart. As an incurable bluestocking from a family tumbling swiftly toward ruin, she knows she'll never make a match in a ballroom. Her only hope is to distinguish herself by making the biggest splash in the one sphere she excels: on horseback. In haute couture. But to truly capture London's attention she'll need a habit-maker who's not afraid to take risks with his designs—and with his heart.</div><div>Half-Indian tailor Ahmad Malik has always had a talent for making women beautiful, inching his way toward recognition by designing riding habits for Rotten Row's infamous Pretty Horsebreakers—but no one compares to Evelyn. Her unbridled spirit enchants him, awakening a depth of feeling he never thought possible.</div><div>But pushing boundaries comes at a cost and not everyone is pleased to welcome Evelyn and Ahmad into fashionable society. With obstacles spanning between them, the indomitable pair must decide which hurdles they can jump and what matters most: making their mark or following their hearts?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Thoughts</b></div><div><div>I discovered Mimi Matthews’ books a couple years ago and instantly became a fan. So I always get very excited when she has a new release and jump at any opportunity to read it.</div><div>I loved the connection to the Parish Orphans of Devon series since we were first introduced to Ahmad in the second book. He was an intriguing character so it was cool for him to get a story all of his own. His dedication and passion for his work was clearly evident in every thing he did and it was very admirable.</div><div>Evelyn had some fanciful ideas but overall she was rather sensible and was willing to do whatever necessary to accomplish her plans.</div><div>The two of them were well suited despite the class and cultural differences that created a myriad of obstacles for their relationship.</div><div>The descriptions of all of the fashion as well as constant horse talk did bog down the story at times but you could tell that the author had done prolific research and deeply cared about the subjects.</div><div>Also, as a PSA for those who care: There was a decent bit of mention about spiritualism, seances, crystal balls, and the like. The main characters themselves didn’t buy into all of it and it was all historically accurate so it didn’t bother me much but I know other people might take issue with it.</div><div>Overall this was a well-written story that certainly won’t be usurping my favorites of hers but was still an enjoyable read!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.mimimatthews.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Mimi-and-Centelleo-Author-Photo-315x400.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="315" height="200" src="https://www.mimimatthews.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Mimi-and-Centelleo-Author-Photo-315x400.jpg" width="158" /></a></div><b>Meet the Author</b></div><div>USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.</div><div><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo credit: Berkley Jove (TR)</span></div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></div></div></div></div>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-89530923878933592302021-11-09T09:31:00.004-05:002021-11-09T09:31:28.613-05:00Just Enough Luck by Aspen Hadley<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqVtuGOpY6ArqONyLQWSgI4QeGjSo5taVcaPFZC_JcYCOA8sOkjZ4gXid6yrEx9sioJZvrrlol9X98WCZ_P0UUPcsZjtKgaEKa9kxOeLT3kZ63XCYvOhiqqIffJjPoH-1eu0B/s396/Just+Enough+Luck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="263" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqVtuGOpY6ArqONyLQWSgI4QeGjSo5taVcaPFZC_JcYCOA8sOkjZ4gXid6yrEx9sioJZvrrlol9X98WCZ_P0UUPcsZjtKgaEKa9kxOeLT3kZ63XCYvOhiqqIffJjPoH-1eu0B/w266-h400/Just+Enough+Luck.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>About the Book</b> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><div>Lucy Moore never lost faith in her fairy godmother, and when she lands an unbelievable dream job working for Drake Enterprises, she knows exactly who to thank for the opportunity. That dream job, however, comes with a twist that has her heading to northern Montana for the month-long annual family retreat at The Lucky Wolf ranch. She packs a suitcase of warm clothes and a fake it 'til you make it attitude, prepared to do all she can to win the family over. Once there she comes face to face with the Drake brothers.</div><div>Alexander, Lucy's new boss, is literally a magazine cover model. He's also a numbers geek like her, which makes him dreamy beyond belief, and Lucy can't stop staring. He's too perfect to be real. Daniel is the first person Lucy meets when she arrives at the ranch in the most humiliating way possible. His warmth and humor quickly put her at ease, and she's grateful to have a friend in this unknown, way off the beaten path, frozen part of the country.</div><div>In one short month Lucy contends with animal attacks, a temporary roommate who's more robot than human, some ranch-hand flirting sessions, and a little eavesdropping, all while attempting to show her new boss that she can do the job.</div><div>When the month ends, and it's time to return home, her story is far from over. Now her heart belongs to the one man who seems perfect for her. Can they overcome all the obstacles in their way?</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Thoughts</b></div><div><div>Guys, this book was just all the happy things and I’m kind of obsessed!</div><div>I absolutely need to start with the banter and interactions between Lucy and Daniel! It was on fire and so authentic and had me laughing out loud so many times! From the moment they met they perfectly clicked and had a genuine friendship that was naturally turned into something more. They both were kind of just unapologetically themselves and didn’t really have any pretense with each other which allowed their relationship to grow without even trying. They were just so adorably cute together and I had a giddy smile on my face whenever they were with each other! Also, random fact about me is that I love when the hero/heroine have nicknames for each other so that fact that Daniel was always making up new ones for Lucy on the spot was my favorite and made me love him even more!</div><div>I also appreciated how they had disagreements or conflict and resolved it without being unnecessarily dramatic about it! That’s a rare find and I’m always here for it!</div><div>This book had me hating to put it down and wanting to be reading it whenever I had to actually live life-and for someone who normally can set books down and pick them up whenever that’s saying something! I just genuinely loved the whole thing and I’m a little bit sad to leave the happy bubble of these pages! But thankfully there’s another connected book coming and this won’t be the last I see of these characters!</div><div>If you love books that put a dopey grin on your face and make you laugh definitely check this one out!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Meet the Author<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/amzn-author-media-prod/2r9jsl8vf2o5tv4b527vvrambk._SX450_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="450" height="200" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/amzn-author-media-prod/2r9jsl8vf2o5tv4b527vvrambk._SX450_.jpg" width="126" /></a></div></b></div><div><div>Aspen Hadley loves nothing more than a great story. She has devoted herself to story-telling for the majority of her life, writing her first novel at her kitchen table in the 8th grade. Aspen writes what she wants to read: clean, sassy, romantic comedy novels that give you a break from real life and leave you feeling happy.</div><div>Outside of writing, Aspen's number one hobby is reading. Number two is sneaking chocolate into and out of her private stash without being caught. Other favorite things include: playing the piano, listening to classic rock, telling jokes around the dinner table, eating ice cream, traveling, a good case of the giggles, and riding on ATVs over the many trails in her home state of Utah.</div><div>Aspen shares her life with a patient husband, 4 hilarious children, and 1 grumpy dog in a quiet suburb next to her beloved mountains.</div><div>Given the choice she would road trip her life away, singing along to the radio and sleeping in every morning.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></div></div></div>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-49788642619332427832021-11-02T14:00:00.001-04:002021-11-02T14:00:00.230-04:00Lights Out by Natalie Walters<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzRhNpABvSjd3bmH3mnLdHpe0Cj0svcidl6au5Rd5-Er5Vn5_4grGZNULlmgcdhgf5C4Uox7oUN0cV_VlqiPGGRshUMfFBHOFwwueep8wR5hpXxxw2mwnABeLX_eLxK3-dXCz/s2048/81d3jeKaqZL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1325" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYzRhNpABvSjd3bmH3mnLdHpe0Cj0svcidl6au5Rd5-Er5Vn5_4grGZNULlmgcdhgf5C4Uox7oUN0cV_VlqiPGGRshUMfFBHOFwwueep8wR5hpXxxw2mwnABeLX_eLxK3-dXCz/w259-h400/81d3jeKaqZL.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>About the Book</b> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><div>CIA analyst Brynn Taylor developed a new program to combat terrorism, and she invited members of foreign intelligence agencies to America to foster cooperation between countries. Now one of them, Egyptian spy Remon Riad, is missing.</div><div>Jack Hudson has been working for the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency (SNAP) for almost nine years and takes the lead in hunting down the missing spy. But he isn't at all pleased to find out Brynn is involved. It's hard to trust a woman who's already betrayed you.</div><div>Every lead they follow draws them dangerously deeper into an international plot. Kidnapping, murder, explosions, poisoning--the terrorists will do anything to accomplish their goal of causing a digital blackout that will blind a strategic US military communications center and throw the world into chaos.</div><div>Can Brynn surrender control to a man who doesn't trust her? And can Jack ever get over what she did to him? The fate of the world--and their hearts--hangs in the balance.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Thoughts</b></div><div><div>We had to wait over a year and a half for this new novel from Natalie Walters but in this case it was definitely worth the wait!</div><div>Things were a little detail heavy at the very beginning but it was all necessary information so bear with it! And once the story gets set up and rolling you totally get sucked into it!</div><div>My favorite part of this book was definitely the S.N.A.P. team! I absolutely love well done team dynamics and these guys definitely had that! The banter and camaraderie between all of them was fantastic!</div><div>Jack was a great hero and I admired his calm amidst the storms and his selfless desire to protect others.</div><div>Brynn was a little harder to like at the start but she definitely grew on me and I enjoyed seeing her character growth throughout the story!</div><div>I liked the fact that Jack and Brynn had a history that gave them a stronger basis for their relationship even if it meant they had some things from the past to work through. The two of them were great together and I was rooting for them the whole time!</div><div>This wasn’t your typical find the one bad guy and stop him suspense but rather it there were several puzzle pieces and the team was in a race to fit them together before time ran out! There were several close calls throughout and I was completely invested in every twist and turn!</div><div>This book was a wonderfully enjoyable suspense and I definitely recommend it! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1578787795p8/18471823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="534" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1578787795p8/18471823.jpg" width="134" /></a></div><b>Meet the Author<br /></b></div><div>Natalie Walters is the author of Lights Out, as well as the Harbored Secrets series. A military wife, she currently resides in Texas with her soldier husband and is the proud mom of three. She loves traveling, spending time with her family, and connecting with readers on Instagram and Facebook. Learn more at www.nataliewalterswriter.com.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></div></div></div>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-81774173614963387302021-11-02T09:39:00.002-04:002021-11-02T09:39:27.615-04:00The Mobster’s Daughter by Rachel Scott McDaniel<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwPz_khCAgr70lDGgMdG40392EDImLJVBfZA9uQpGzRRN8GphcvKRtT_xwzVVnqEwBI8vLvM5giZlq5auxuYU6qlrSwmQBISLI_19hUiuXChXHVDZu7OYo7y6W-H-4Mbg0XaA/s960/IMG_8677.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="619" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwPz_khCAgr70lDGgMdG40392EDImLJVBfZA9uQpGzRRN8GphcvKRtT_xwzVVnqEwBI8vLvM5giZlq5auxuYU6qlrSwmQBISLI_19hUiuXChXHVDZu7OYo7y6W-H-4Mbg0XaA/w258-h400/IMG_8677.JPG" width="258" /></a></div>About the Book</b> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><div>The one man who could help her, must never know her name.</div><div>If Kate Chamberlin can't reveal her true identity to the world, she must settle for sharing only her talent. Hired as a musician for KDKA radio, Kate plays everything from sponsors’ jingles to complex sonatas. As long as the whispers around the broadcasting room refer to her as “Killjoy Kate” and not “Catarina the crime boss's daughter,” then her life is safe from danger.</div><div>Or so she thinks.</div><div>When anonymous, violent threats surface, Kate's wary of accepting protection from the handsome private investigator, Detective Jennings. His save-the-world attitude is as charming as his manners, but no one, especially him, can know the gruesome realities of her birth.</div><div>The 1924 Pittsburgh underworld is as complicated as it is elusive, and though the dealings of the Salvastanos have dwindled, Rhett Jennings is certain the man responsible for his father's death is still at large. But his personal hunt for justice must be set aside when his day job requires him to investigate threats directed at a young radio broadcaster with enamoring brown eyes and secretive behavior.</div><div>When danger surrounds them, will the truth of Kate's past become the key to their survival?</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Thoughts</b></div><div><div>Oh my gosh!! I freaking loved this book and it just might be my favorite McDaniel book! I was hooked from the very first page by this author’s unique brand of vivid imagery. She literally transports you to 1920’s Pittsburgh and you feel like you are walking the soot filled streets.</div><div>Kate aka Catarina had me invested in her plight from the moment we met her. She had endured so much loss and hardship in her life but I loved how she didn’t let it stop her from making a life for herself or keep her from loving and caring for everyone in her path. She was selfless and kind and it shone through her every action.</div><div>Rhett also charmed me from the start. I admired the way he stood for justice even though those around him weren’t and when he saw what things were becoming he forged his own path. He was a protector at heart and that was glaringly evident in the way he kept Kate safe even if it meant sleepless nights and long days. Rhett also had a compassionate heart and I loved his interactions with the little boy Kate cared for!</div><div>The romance between Kate and Rhett was soft and sweet and they had me melting more than a few times!</div><div>There was also some mystery and intrigue and it totally sucked me in! There were some parts I guessed at but I didn’t see the full picture coming!</div><div>One of my favorite things about McDaniel’s books is the way she brings historic Pittsburgh to life! I’ve lived near the city all of my life and I love reading about what life was like here all those years ago! It’s so fun to see the places that I know mentioned in the story! And the fun historical tidbits she includes fascinate me!</div><div>Honestly this book had it all, I laughed, I swooned, I teared up, and I was happy sighing at the end! Rarely do books hold my attention so fully like this one did, typically I can just stop whenever and I’ll admit I can get distracted by my phone, but that wasn’t the case with this story! I started it with the intention of just a couple chapters before bed but then I was so hooked that next thing I knew it was 2am and I couldn’t keep my eyes open! And the next day I had to force myself to put it down when other things needed my attention! Basically this book was amazing and you need to read it as soon as possible-you won’t regret it!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1568715958p5/19531612.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="200" height="197" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1568715958p5/19531612.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>Meet the Author<br /></b></div><div>Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. She currently enjoys life in Ohio with her husband and two kids. Rachel can be found online at www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com and on all social media platforms.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></div></div></div>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-32140482209671580302021-11-02T00:00:00.001-04:002021-11-02T00:00:00.225-04:00Never Too Late by Susan L. Tuttle<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJWmGXDBZX37y5jTuHcmhpeupZ_ktpbI8-iCKzeqMYY6dFvT996qf7nwZyrgI6ntkUpHbKbuc4_mziqdh786EvgSEXYtxmQjY0ypRfaGWqcIFAC6dAT_XYl1jgbeVR7ep1noU/s2048/Never+Too+Late.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZJWmGXDBZX37y5jTuHcmhpeupZ_ktpbI8-iCKzeqMYY6dFvT996qf7nwZyrgI6ntkUpHbKbuc4_mziqdh786EvgSEXYtxmQjY0ypRfaGWqcIFAC6dAT_XYl1jgbeVR7ep1noU/w266-h400/Never+Too+Late.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>About the Book</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Once, her art brought her fame. This time will it bring her love?</div><div>Widowed homemaker Rachael Stark isn’t quite sure what comes after her only child leaves for college. To fill her suddenly quiet hours and scrawny bank account, she needs a job. But painful memories prevent her from resurrecting her former art career, and “motherhood” isn’t much of a résumé. When her best friend needs help recovering from a gunshot wound that occurred in the line of duty, she is there. Finally, someone to take care of.</div><div>Evan Wayne won’t let his injury keep him from being a police officer. His dedication to protect the innocent stems from the guilt he carries over having failed his childhood friend. What he needs now is to recover and get back on the streets. Instead, he’s handed a myriad of light-duty tasks by his captain—one of which involves heading up the department’s entry into the town’s annual mural contest. He’s not an artist, but he definitely knows one. And he’ll take any excuse to spend more time with her.</div><div>When Rachael agrees to paint for Evan, she never expects to also be drawn into finding answers for the mother of a missing child. As the two friends work side by side on the mural and the case, their feelings move beyond friendship. But with Evan unwilling to leave his dangerous job, and Rachael unwilling to risk another loss of a loved one, their fears may paint over the promise of a beautiful future together.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Thoughts</b></div><div><div>Speechless. I am always speechless when I finish a Susan Tuttle novel. I honestly just sit there in awe for a few minutes after reaching the end and wonder how I can ever right a review that will do it justice. But then I start typing and all the things I loved come spilling out and turn into my longest reviews ever.</div><div>I have been waiting for Rachael’s story since we first met her, even though she had loved and lost I just knew she had so much more in store. And the second she and Evan were on the page together I knew he was her more. Their friendship was absolutely perfect, the banter and understanding between them was just spot on. And as someone who really likes friends-to-more stories I was so ready to see their journey.</div><div>One of my favorite things about Tuttle’s writing is the realness of her characters. They are written so authentically that you feel like you genuinely know them. Every pain and struggle they go through is felt on a deep level and you truly understand the things they wrestle with. Even when I wanted to shake Rachael to make her realize what she had in front of her I felt every part of her fear and understood why she held herself back.</div><div>Both Rachael and Evan had experienced some of the most horrendous losses imaginable and they had so much unresolved pain to work through. It was raw and tough but I loved how they helped each other through, though it took outsiders wisdom and God to really break the walls down. They had such a special bond that allowed for speaking truth even when it wasn’t what the other wanted to hear and I admired the way they fully knew when to push and when to step back. They were connected in such a beautiful way and the fact that they were meant to be together was the most obvious thing in the world.</div><div>Their relationship had its ups and downs that had me alternatively laughing, yelling at them, sighing in happiness, and even tearing up. Basically it was perfection!</div><div>It was also so much fun to see more from Jonah and Penny, and Micah and Belle from the previous books! And Blake and Harlow from her standalone novel even made a cameo which made me so happy!</div><div>I cannot say enough how much I loved this book and this whole series! Definitely staying permanently on my favorites list!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/amzn-author-media-prod/8m2690o41sd5qom06pu6j4etde._SX450_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="200" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/S/amzn-author-media-prod/8m2690o41sd5qom06pu6j4etde._SX450_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><b>Meet the Author<br /></b></div><div>ACFW Carol Award finalist Susan L. Tuttle lives in the Mitten State of Michigan where she's a mom of three and happily married to her best friend. Between still homeschooling her youngest and leading the women's ministry at church, she finds time to write stories filled with inspiration, hope, and encouragement. Connect with Susan at susanltuttle.com.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></div></div></div></div>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-28965940729963154532021-11-01T00:00:00.001-04:002021-11-01T00:00:00.196-04:00Labyrinth of Lies by Irene Hannon<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSbTU6oDtPDGKfAKMKFDP7DmlyxF_aXcmxfWxukEHRS54hBg5C_2ZZDxgtUkXABBxzIH6-Q-5rpVrGMHpf0BvueRDKh0Fp-sRaxx9KzA0au2PGWEtXys0ZpzzE_kkMHxEamGr/s2048/91YY8SeUAmL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1325" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSbTU6oDtPDGKfAKMKFDP7DmlyxF_aXcmxfWxukEHRS54hBg5C_2ZZDxgtUkXABBxzIH6-Q-5rpVrGMHpf0BvueRDKh0Fp-sRaxx9KzA0au2PGWEtXys0ZpzzE_kkMHxEamGr/w259-h400/91YY8SeUAmL.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>About the Book</b> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><div>When the daughter of a high-profile businessman disappears from an exclusive girls' boarding school, police detective Cate Reilly is tapped for an undercover assignment. It doesn't take her long to realize that beneath the veneer of polish and wealth, things are not as they seem at Ivy Hill Academy. But the biggest surprise of all? The only man she ever loved is also working at the school.</div><div>Zeke Sloan has never forgotten Cate, but now isn't the best time for their paths to cross again. When their two seemingly disparate agendas begin to intertwine--and startling connections emerge among the players--the danger escalates significantly. But who is the mastermind behind the elaborate ruse? And how far will they go to protect their house of cards?</div><div>Queen of romantic suspense Irene Hannon invites you to scale the heights of human folly and plumb the depths of the human heart in this second gripping book in the Triple Threat series.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Thoughts</b></div><div><div>I’m not going to lie, book one in this series was a major miss for me and made me a bit wary of this one. But since I’ve long been a fan of the author I wanted to still give it a chance.</div><div>It was better than the first but still missed the mark for me. The premise of a 33 year old woman being able to pass as a high schooler for an indefinite amount of time without any one even questioning it for a second was not believable in the slightest. And the fact that she was posing as a student while the love interest, Zeke, was undercover as a teacher just felt icky despite the fact that they had a previous relationship and knew who the other was immediately. It also made it hard for there to be any actual romance because it would have been wrong to every one watching who weren’t aware of their true identities and ages. The only time they really got to spend together one on one were the twice weekly “tutoring” sessions he arranged which somehow never raised anyone’s suspicions even though he didn’t offer tutoring to any other students. Their past history did make the romance not completely unbelievable even if we didn’t get to see a lot of on page interactions.</div><div>There were a lot of characters and POVs which gave us a lot of the story throughout so there wasn’t a lot of keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat mystery or suspense but the crime story was still interesting and kept me reading to see how it was resolved.</div><div>I could have done without the epilogue proposal that seems to always be at the end of suspense books and is a major pet peeve of mine but I know other people like that so it is what it is.</div><div>All in all while this wasn’t a favorite of mine it was still readable and kept my interest throughout.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1316027272p8/97710.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="533" height="200" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1316027272p8/97710.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><b>Meet the Author<br /></b></div><div>Irene Hannon is the bestselling and award-winning author of more than sixty contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. In addition to her many other honors, she is a three-time winner of the prestigious RITA Award from Romance Writers of America. She is also a member of RWA's elite Hall of Fame and has received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews for her entire body of work. Learn more at www.irenehannon.com.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></div></div></div>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-56199225749242722002021-10-31T00:00:00.002-04:002021-11-01T19:34:49.652-04:00Hostile Intent by Lynette Eason<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAu_JJpXFbXfGf4Z_SuDTzuK_qlmGJOLptWlyxyDJOMMeTGOKu-BAZEVW2cJm7WkUa_zkdCJZL_vo_TR7So_UzLtLuDqCuhPf2G64xmRiK6-l_Ltl7vAo5yeT7EpSOKZr1NYD/s1360/61rWj7TVsvL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="880" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIAu_JJpXFbXfGf4Z_SuDTzuK_qlmGJOLptWlyxyDJOMMeTGOKu-BAZEVW2cJm7WkUa_zkdCJZL_vo_TR7So_UzLtLuDqCuhPf2G64xmRiK6-l_Ltl7vAo5yeT7EpSOKZr1NYD/w259-h400/61rWj7TVsvL.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>About the Book</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><div style="text-align: left;">Ava Jackson entered the military shortly after high school, but her mother's illness has forced her to request an early discharge. She already lost her father while deployed, and there's no way she's going to let her mother die alone. But after a visit to the nursing facility where her mother lives, Ava is attacked walking back to her car. Fortunately, FBI Special Agent Caden Denning arrives in time to help fight off her attacker.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Caden reveals to Ava that she may hold the key to the murders of three families, and he needs her help before anyone else is harmed. The hits show a pattern, and clearly the killer has an agenda. But if Caden and Ava can't discover what it is, Ava may be next on the hit list.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Bestselling author Lynette Eason concludes her latest suspense-filled series with a bang as secrets are revealed and the guilty are brought to justice.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Thoughts</b></div><div><div>This series has been a bit rocky for me and after really not enjoying the last one I kind of decided I wasn’t going to read this one. But then my bestie read it and said it was amazing so I decided to give it a shot. And she was absolutely right! From the very first page I was completely hooked and couldn’t read fast enough! Eason struck the perfect balance between all the things! The villain was pure evil and had a backstory that showed how he became what he was but it wasn’t taken to too dark of a place. The action and suspense was steady throughout but not to the point of never catching your breath. There was enough revealed at the right time that you didn’t feel in the dark as a reader but there were also some pieces you just had to wait to figure out! And the romance wasn’t the insta-love you normally find in suspense since the characters had know each other since childhood. So yeah this book really hit the sweet spot in basically every aspect and I loved it!</div><div>Caden and Ava were both fabulous and the type of characters you could easily root for. I really appreciated how Ava was skilled and capable but wasn’t above letting people help her. She knew when she needed to do things and when she could let someone else do them. And on the flip side Caden trusted her to handle what she said she could but was always there to step in when needed. You don’t see that often in books and I loved it so much that it deserved a mention!</div><div>The only thing that wasn’t my favorite was the epilogue, it went down the cheesy route that is for some reason the norm in suspense and I could have done without it. But it didn’t damper my love for this book and I definitely recommend this one!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://g.christianbook.com/ns/cp_graphics/page/1/1001631/lynette_1487860194.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="185" height="200" src="https://g.christianbook.com/ns/cp_graphics/page/1/1001631/lynette_1487860194.jpg" width="121" /></a></div><b>Meet the Author<br /></b></div><div><div>Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master's degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband and two children. Learn more at</div><div>www.lynetteeason.com.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></div></div></div>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7199306.post-36536991698373961122021-10-30T00:00:00.001-04:002021-10-30T00:00:00.194-04:00The Cryptographer's Dilemma by Johnnie Alexander<div style="text-align: left;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXV0pGXLOv3Ki_qulEAlTr2aBUdr4Qya4OCfPDSAOPFJ7vQKxkXtB6_15eFyqys6cMeMNlZhU5fJrDMAuGgUi17QfTIxgFjBIUpdX8wDQsMs6gz-uOTmF-ocgaJ8lyx6slQo6/s450/116738EB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="296" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJXV0pGXLOv3Ki_qulEAlTr2aBUdr4Qya4OCfPDSAOPFJ7vQKxkXtB6_15eFyqys6cMeMNlZhU5fJrDMAuGgUi17QfTIxgFjBIUpdX8wDQsMs6gz-uOTmF-ocgaJ8lyx6slQo6/w263-h400/116738EB.jpg" width="263" /></a></div>About the Book</b> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><div>A Code Developer Uncovers a Japanese Spy Ring</div><div>Full of intrigue, adventure, and romance, this new series celebrates the unsung heroes—the heroines of WWII.</div><div>FBI cryptographer Eloise Marshall is grieving the death of her brother, who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor, when she is assigned to investigate a seemingly innocent letter about dolls. Agent Phillip Clayton is ready to enlist and head oversees when asked to work one more FBI job. A case of coded defense coordinates related to dolls should be easy, but not so when the Japanese Consulate gets involved, hearts get entangled, and Phillip goes missing. Can Eloise risk loving and losing again?</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>My Thoughts</b></div><div><div>WWII is my absolute favorite time period to read about so I was very excited to dive into this story, especially after a ringing endorsement from my bestie!</div><div>Eloise and Phillip were both great characters and I really admired their desire to serve their country no matter the cost! Their relationship went from annoyance to friendship to something more rather seamlessly and while I would have enjoyed more romance I thought it was well paced.</div><div>The “Doll Woman” spy was a story I hadn’t heard before and I was fascinated by the details of it and the process of hunting her down! I also enjoyed traveling around the country through the characters!</div><div>In short this was a really solid read that I thoroughly enjoyed!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Meet the Author<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://files.tyndale.com/thpdata/authorphotos/D2C/3567/Alexander_Johnnie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="420" height="200" src="http://files.tyndale.com/thpdata/authorphotos/D2C/3567/Alexander_Johnnie.jpg" width="150" /></a></div></b></div><div><div>Johnnie Alexander is a wannabe vagabond with a heart for making memories. Whether at home or on the road, she creates characters you want to meet and imagines stories you won't forget.</div><div>Her award-winning debut novel, Where Treasure Hides, is a CBA bestseller and has been translated into Dutch and Norwegian. She also writes contemporary romances, cozy mysteries, and historical novellas. The Mischief Thief is her first suspense novel.</div><div>Johnnie is on the executive boards of Serious Writer, Inc. and Mid-South Christian Writers Conference, co-hosts an online show called Writers Chat, and interviews inspirational authors for her Novelists Unwind program. She also teaches at writers conferences and for Serious Writer Academy.</div><div>A fan of classic movies, stacks of books, and road trips, Johnnie shares a life of quiet adventure with Griff, her happy-go-lucky collie, and Rugby, her raccoon-treeing papillon.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><i>I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own. </i></div></div></div>Abbi Harthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00375569903870296913noreply@blogger.com0